Staff and students at an 83-year-old Baltimore County school have 43 million reasons to be happy.

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WBAL-TV 11 News Education Alert reporter Tim Tooten said the county is receiving $43 million in state funds to improve the old and overcrowded Stoneleigh Elementary School in Towson.

Plenty of boxes lined the school's hallways Thursday after the entire student body, teachers and staff began preparations to move across town to the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology in order to make room for renovations.

"We've been telling them that we are going to be spending a year at Carver and then coming back to a new school," said Stoneleigh teacher Stephanie Spear. "They're very excited about air conditioning because it's a very hot today. They're very excited about the idea of having lockers in the hall."

"It has been a challenge, but this is a school built on community. So, parents have been in helping us in book rooms, and teachers have really thoughtfully planned. We started in January with our plan, and as they finished a unit, they boxed it up," said Stoneleigh's principal, Christine Warner.

The preparations are part of a larger plan to renovate the entire school and add enough space to eliminate a need for portable classrooms. Parents have been on board since day one.

"I've had a child here since 2005, and, you know, we've always been kind of, in the back of our minds, (knowing) this was going to be a need," said Maria Heiler, a parent.

"It's wonderful. I think everyone is really excited about the next move and the future of Stoneleigh Elementary, and all the parents and teachers really got together and kind of made it happen," said Kimberly Bandell, a Stoneleigh parent.

Students are expected to return to Stoneleigh in 15 months, which is expected to give work crews enough time to finish the project.

"I think it's a great choice. I think, for many reasons, for health reasons, the kids won't have to be exposed to all the debris or things that could be floating around in the air. I think it'll be quick," said Kelly Reif, a parent.

The completed project will provide enough space for more than 700 students.